Budget 2026

Spending 2.2 B$ (new initiatives over 5 years)

The largest new spending item. The government focuses on consolidating the public system and first-line access rather than major overhauls. For health organizations, this is welcome stabilization—but workforce pressures remain unaddressed.

Spending 1.1 B$ (over 5 years)

One of the fastest-growing budget items. The government responds to rising organized crime, cyberattacks, and armed violence. For law enforcement and the judiciary, this signals strong investment after years of underfunding.

Spending 639 M$ (over 5 years)

An emergency budget as much as a forward-looking one: closing gaps in school facilities while seeking to attract and retain teachers. The labour shortage in education remains the core unresolved structural challenge.

Spending 392 M$ (over 5 years)

The government targets strategic sectors—engineering and IT—to meet economic transformation needs. Labour market integration for immigrants and people far from employment is also prioritized. Universities and CEGEPs await stronger signals on base funding.

Spending 1.7 B$ (over 5 years)

The budget bets on adaptation over protection. The government wants to be a catalyst for private investment, not a bailout. Companies investing in future sectors will be supported; those expecting survival subsidies will be disappointed.

Spending 581 M$ (over 5 years)

Resource regions receive clear signals, especially the forestry sector hit by US lumber tariffs. This isn't a blank cheque—it's a targeted response to sectoral crises. SMEs generally benefit from an improved business environment through project acceleration.

Spending 741 M$ (over 5 years)

1,000 affordable units — better than nothing, but far below need. The government targets most vulnerable households rather than the general market. For developers and community housing organizations, it's a positive but insufficient signal given the crisis scope.

Spending 846 M$ (within 2.4 B$ in support for Quebecers)

The two flagship measures are concrete and visible: 5,000 new subsidized daycare spaces and a 3% cap on school contributions. These commitments directly affect family budgets. Automatic income declaration for vulnerable people is an important innovation.

Spending 264 M$ homelessness/mental health + 260 M$ intimate partner violence

The government officially recognizes the scale of homelessness, mental health, and intimate partner violence crises with substantial funding. For frontline community organizations, this is welcome—but funding sustainability and implementation timelines will be decisive.

Spending 429 M$ + 217 M$ (over 5 years)

The cultural and media sector receives a strong and welcome signal. The tax credit for news media is an important innovation recognizing the industry crisis. Support for audiovisual through SODEC and Télé-Québec consolidates the existing ecosystem.

Spending 584 M$ (over 5 years, within community resilience)

The budget emphasizes adaptation over mitigation alone. The adaptation component of Rénoclimat and enhanced LogisVert are practical measures directly affecting homeowners. This isn't a green budget—it's one integrating climate as a cross-cutting challenge.

Spending 167 B$ over 10 years (+5 B$ over 6 years vs previous QIP)

Quebec's 167 B$ QIP is the largest in its history. The strategic signal is clear: 71% goes to maintaining existing assets, not new construction. For the construction industry, it's a guaranteed order book. For citizens, it's refurbishing aging hospitals, roads, and schools.

Spending Included in QIP 167 B$ — public transit and roads prioritized

Public transit and road network are explicitly named priority sectors of QIP 2026-2036. Major structuring projects continue. For public transit users, fixing existing networks takes precedence over developing new lines.

Spending Deficit in steady improvement

Good news: the 2025-2026 deficit is revised to -7.7 B$ (vs -11.4 B$ forecast). This is a 3.8 B$ improvement thanks to better spending management and stronger nominal GDP growth. The path to balance by 2029-2030 is maintained. Quebec shows one of Canada's lowest deficits as a share of GDP (-1.2%).